Python
Python is a free, general purpose programming language widely used in both academia and industry. It provides a rich ecosystem of libraries, such as Matplotlib, Plotly, Pandas, and BeautifulSoup, that support tasks like data collection, cleaning, and visualization.
Free Resources
Explore a collection of open-access, discipline-specific textbooks that are completely free to use. Each resource includes highly valuable Jupyter notbooks, which you can download or clone to reinforce your learning. Practice the concepts using the included demo datasets or apply them to your own data for a more personalized experience.
- by Melanie Walsh, 2024.
- 🥇Winner of “Best DH Training Material” 2021.
Books
-
by Eric Matthes
San Francisco: No Starch Press, 2023. - This beginner-friendly book uses clear, accessible language and practical coding examples to introduce core Python concepts—like variables, data types, methods, and functions—while encouraging you to actively apply what you learn through hands-on practice.
-
by Al Sweigart
San Francisco: No Starch Press, 2025. -
This book starts with the basics, then dives into real-world tasks like web scraping, pattern matching with regular expressions, reading documents, handling
.csvand.jsonfiles, scheduling tasks, manipulating images, and much more. Each chapter includes hands-on practice questions to help reinforce your skills and boost your confidence as a programmer.
Python tools for scientists : an introduction to using Anaconda, Jupyterlab, and Python’s scientific libraries
by Lee Vaughan
San Francisco: No Starch Press, 2023.
-
by Lee Vaughan
San Francisco: No Starch Press, 2023.
O’Reilly Online Learning
For additional books and learning materials, the O’Reilly Online Learning: Academic/Public Library Edition collection provides extensive access to eBooks and videos in computer science, IT, business, and related subjects, featuring content from O’Reilly and other top publishers. This resource is provided by University Libraries and is available to all Ohio State faculty, students, and staff with a valid osu.edu email address.
Workshops and Events
University Libraries offers a variety of data skills workshops and events for Ohio State faculty, students and staff throughout the academic year.